HILLSIDE, NJ – A 16-year-old boy from Newark is recovering in the hospital after accidentally shooting himself while fleeing police in Hillside on Friday. The teenager, along with two others, was allegedly attempting to break into vehicles near Compton Terrace, only a few blocks from the police headquarters, when authorities received reports of the attempted burglaries.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers spotted three males, who fled on foot when approached by law enforcement
. During the chase, a gunshot was heard, and officers discovered the 16-year-old suspect lying on the ground, admitting he had shot himself. He was found with a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun loaded with illegal hollow-point bullets in his waistband.
The injured suspect now faces charges including juvenile delinquency, resisting arrest, eluding, and unlawful possession of a weapon and hollow-point bullets. Authorities also apprehended a second 16-year-old suspect from Newark, who was later released to a parent. The investigation is ongoing, and police are searching for the third suspect.